The official kick-off meeting of the SMILE – Support Young Migrants Integration in the Labour Market in Europe project was held on 6–7 March 2025 in Ankara, hosted by the project coordinator Migarts Association.
The two-day meeting brought together representatives from all partner organizations, including Stichting UnitSphere Europa (SUSE), to align on the project’s shared vision, work packages, and upcoming deliverables. The agenda focused on laying the groundwork for the collaborative efforts to follow over the next two years.

On the first day, participants reviewed the overall objectives of the SMILE project, which aims to improve the employability and social integration of young migrants through soft skills development, mentoring, and intercultural engagement. A detailed presentation of the Desk Survey Work Package was delivered, covering its scope, research methodology, and expected outcomes. This session provided a valuable opportunity to establish a common understanding across partners regarding data collection processes and content development.
In the afternoon, the discussion continued with a focus on task distribution and the project timeline, ensuring that all partners were aligned on responsibilities and deliverables. The day concluded with an open exchange of ideas and a strategic discussion on next steps, emphasizing inter-partner collaboration and long-term impact.

The second day of the program included field visits to key institutions in Ankara to strengthen cooperation with relevant stakeholders. The consortium visited the Ministry of Family and Social Services (MoFSS) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) (subject to confirmation), engaging in informative dialogue about national and international frameworks for migrant integration.
As a committed partner, SUSE Foundation will contribute to the SMILE project through field research, training design, and mentoring program development in the Netherlands. The kick-off meeting marked an important first step in establishing strong foundations for the project and building synergy among the partners.
SUSE remains dedicated to empowering migrant youth across Europe and is proud to be part of this impactful initiative.
